February
01.02.2025
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Saturday
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The Girl Who Did Not Return From Nieuwegein

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The morning began with developments in the Breda kidnapping of a medicine-dependent man, while Hamas released three hostages to the Red Cross. The EU discussed strengthening defense capabilities as Trump implemented 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports. DeepSeek's data collection practices sparked privacy debates, following previous days' impact on tech sectors.

Healthcare Minister Agema launched efforts to reduce medical specialists' salaries, while tax authorities recovered €110 million from wealthy citizens' attempted relocations to Switzerland and Malta. The afternoon turned dark with the fatal stabbing of an 11-year-old girl in Nieuwegein by a 29-year-old suspect, about whom residents had previously warned authorities. Police later indicated the attack appeared random.

The evening saw PSV lose points in a dramatic finish against NEC, while coverage continued of Trump's expanding trade restrictions to include China.
02.02.2025
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Sunday
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The Trade War That Crossed The Ocean

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Trump's implementation of 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, along with 10% on Chinese goods, dominated the morning news cycle. All three nations announced immediate retaliatory measures, emphasizing their strategic resource leverage. By afternoon, European preparations for involvement became evident, with EU officials drafting counter-tariff lists.

The Nieuwegein community's response to yesterday's stabbing of 11-year-old Sohani revealed that residents had previously warned authorities about the suspect's escalating behavior. The afternoon saw Ajax secure a dramatic victory against Feyenoord through Taylor's injury-time goal.

Evening coverage shifted to mass protests in Germany, with 200,000 demonstrating against AfD and CDU, while Belgian coalition parties approved their government agreement. The Afas software company founders' €600 million charity donation concluded the day's domestic developments.
03.02.2025
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Monday
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The Trade War Claims Europe

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The morning began with Trump's delayed Mexican tariffs in exchange for border control, followed by similar postponement for Canada. European markets reacted strongly, with analysts predicting euro-dollar parity. The EU defense summit revealed growing concerns about trade war implications amid Russian threats.

BBB party experienced significant turmoil as MP Lilian Helder resigned and six Overijssel faction members departed. Amsterdam's mayor warned of police overload threatening street safety, while FNV reported unsafe work environment at the Infrastructure Ministry under PVV leadership.

The Drents Museum art theft investigation continued with a house search in Heerhugowaard, while Dubai expelled Ridouan Taghi's second son to Morocco. Evening coverage focused on justice department ending its Neelie Kroes investigation while calling for improved corruption legislation.
04.02.2025
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Tuesday
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The Day Blood Flowed Through Swedish Classrooms

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The morning began with China's retaliatory measures against US trade actions, including tariffs on American oil, gas, and coal. Six BBB party members departed from Overijssel's provincial government, continuing the party's internal fragmentation from previous days.

By early afternoon, reports emerged of a shooting at a Swedish school, initially describing five wounded. As the day progressed, casualty numbers rose to approximately ten dead, including the 35-year-old perpetrator. The incident dominated afternoon coverage.

Meanwhile, Zelensky indicated willingness to negotiate with Putin, marking a shift in Ukraine's position. The Algemene Rekenkamer recommended ending heat pump subsidies in certain districts, while ING rejected Milieudefensie's climate demands. European concerns about US trade measures continued, with discussions about potential retaliatory actions against Trump-allied billionaires.
05.02.2025
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Wednesday
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The Day Gaza Became A Resort Plan

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Trump's proposal to transform Gaza into a "Middle East Riviera" by relocating Palestinians and placing the territory under US control dominated the morning headlines. The plan, evolving from initial reports of Palestinian relocation to a full resort development proposal, drew immediate condemnation from UN Chief Guterres, who labeled it "ethnic cleansing."

By mid-morning, attention shifted to the court ruling requiring Sywert van Lienden and partners to repay €20 million from their COVID-19 face mask profits to their foundation. The afternoon brought news of a shooting incident at Brussels metro stations, prompting closures.

Minister Madlener rejected parliamentary demands for fatbike regulations, declining to implement helmet requirements or age restrictions. The death of 15-year-old Naomi from the Zwartewaal bus accident was confirmed in the afternoon.
06.02.2025
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Thursday
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The Day Trump Decreed Against The Hague

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Trump's Gaza resort plan, revealed yesterday, faced mounting criticism from Republican quarters while straining Israel's relations with Arab allies. The controversy evolved through the day, culminating in Trump issuing sanctions against the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Minister Faber introduced measures targeting disruptive asylum seekers, while tensions rose over the Council of State's advice on asylum laws. This occurred against the backdrop of Belgian political turmoil, with parliament members debating for over 37 hours.

A new study predicted 1.9-meter sea level rise, significantly higher than KNMI forecasts, while January 2025 was confirmed as the warmest on record. The day concluded with reports of severe earthquakes in Santorini, prompting evacuation concerns.
07.02.2025
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Friday
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The Day Wilders Lost His Ministers

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Trump's sanctions against the International Criminal Court in The Hague, following his Gaza resort plan from yesterday, prompted 79 countries to issue condemnations. The Netherlands, as host country, expressed particular concern.

Internal PVV tensions dominated coverage as Wilders threatened to dismiss his own state secretary Coenradie, with shouting heard through ministry doors. Minister Faber intervened to protect Coenradie, while simultaneously maintaining a firm stance on asylum laws despite Council of State advice. The controversial PVV plan to release prisoners early was abandoned, with the ministry arranging additional cells at Schiphol.

Putin acknowledged "very difficult" situation in Kursk as Ukraine prepared to deploy French Mirage fighters. Gas prices surged 30% due to Siberian polar vortex, while Canadian consumers launched boycotts against American products in response to Trump's trade threats.
08.02.2025
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Saturday
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The Three Return From Gaza

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Trump's evolving plans dominated morning coverage, from an expected Zelensky meeting to claims about annexing Canada as the 51st state. Queen Máxima warned about buy-now-pay-later schemes' societal impact.

By midday, attention shifted to the release of three Israeli hostages in Gaza - Eli (52), Ohad (56), and Or (34) - alongside 183 Palestinian prisoners. Their emaciated condition sparked outrage in Israel and led to Netanyahu's condemnation.

Evening coverage focused on mass protests across Germany against AfD, with 250,000 gathering in Munich alone. Similar anti-government protests emerged in Slovakia against Fico's pro-Russian stance. The Dutch government's position on AI regulation surfaced late, pushing for increased European control over American AI companies.

Local issues included ongoing concerns about Polish construction workers affected by new self-employment laws and Amsterdam residents increasingly avoiding the city center.
09.02.2025
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Sunday
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The Corridor Opens North

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The morning news cycle centered on a medical breakthrough with mice longevity tests advancing to human trials. By midday, Israel's withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor dominated coverage, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar responding strongly to Netanyahu's statements.

Baltic states disconnected from Russia's power grid while Gazprom reported significant losses, marking another step in Europe's energy independence. In Slowakia, mass protests emerged against Prime Minister Fico's meeting with Putin.

Evening coverage focused on the German political sphere, where CDU leader Merz and Chancellor Scholz clashed in their first TV debate, primarily over AfD cooperation. The debate followed widespread protests against AfD across German cities.

Ajax returned to the Eredivisie top position after two years, while reports emerged about potential peace talks between Turkey and PKK.
10.02.2025
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Monday
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The Council Guards The Gates

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The Council of State's rejection of Minister Faber's asylum laws dominated coverage, declaring them ineffective at reducing immigration flows. Wilders responded by threatening new elections, while coalition parties divided over necessary revisions. The development follows days of internal PVV tensions.

Trump's announcement of steel tariffs prompted concerns at Tata Steel IJmuiden, adding to existing trade tensions with Europe. Meanwhile, the Port of Rotterdam reported decline, triggering municipal and provincial alerts to the cabinet.

Hamas suspended hostage releases indefinitely, marking a shift from the previous days' prisoner exchanges. The evening brought focus to European defense as Timmermans called for increased military spending amid "existential struggle."

TV presenter Ron Brandsteder's death at 74 received extensive coverage, while Feyenoord dismissed coach Brian Priske mid-season.
11.02.2025
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Tuesday
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The Steel War Claims Its Peace

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The US imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, prompting immediate EU counter-threats from Von der Leyen. The move particularly affects Tata Steel IJmuiden, adding to Dutch industrial concerns. By mid-morning, coalition tensions resurfaced as Wilders threatened government collapse over potential asylum law modifications, though coalition partners appeared unmoved.

FBI's release of new JFK assassination documents dominated international coverage, while the Senate, led by BBB, proposed redirecting €5 billion from climate funds to agriculture. US Vice President Vance warned Europe against implementing AI regulations on American companies, as Musk's €95 billion OpenAI takeover bid was rejected.

Evening developments centered on Netanyahu's ultimatum regarding Hamas hostages, setting Saturday as deadline for releases before resuming military operations. The Netherlands faces a €700 million EU surcharge due to economic performance exceeding expectations.
12.02.2025
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Wednesday
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The Peace That Comes From Above

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The morning began with environmental organization Milieudefensie appealing the Shell climate case verdict to the Supreme Court. Corporate news dominated early hours as Heineken's stock rose 12% while announcing a €1.5 billion share buyback.

By afternoon, US Defense Secretary Hegseth's declaration that Ukraine must forfeit territory and abandon NATO aspirations marked a dramatic shift in Western support. The statement aligned with previous days' US steel tariffs and growing trans-Atlantic tensions.

Evening developments centered on Trump's sequential calls with Putin (90 minutes) and Zelensky (60 minutes), announcing immediate peace negotiations. This diplomatic initiative follows yesterday's Council of State tensions and builds on earlier signals of US policy shifts regarding Ukraine.

The PVV faced criticism for abandoning its rent-reduction promises, while Amsterdam confirmed keeping its waste energy company AEB after failed privatization attempts.
13.02.2025
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Thursday
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The Day Two Chairs Were Empty At The Table

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Gas prices surpassed previous price ceilings as morning headlines focused on Trump's emerging peace initiative with Putin. European leaders demanded participation in US-Russia negotiations while Zelensky rejected any agreement made without Ukraine's presence. NATO chief Rutte characterized Putin as "unpredictable" while asserting Ukraine's right to participate.

By noon, an Afghan asylum seeker drove into a striking crowd in Munich, injuring 28 people including children. The incident immediately entered German electoral discourse.

Evening developments saw an armed intruder breach the Dutch Parliament building, while Minister Faber proposed a curfew for asylum seekers in Ter Apel following parliamentary pressure. The Amsterdam stock exchange reached new records, driven by traditional sectors rather than tech stocks.
14.02.2025
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Friday
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The Night Europe Faced Its Mirror

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Dutch military presence in Estonia emerged as first line of NATO defense, while Macron warned of Trump's return as an "electric shock" to Europe. Russian state media celebrated Trump-Putin dialogue from previous day. By midday, the government extended its energy emergency fund with €60 million through 2026, while economic data showed continued growth despite vulnerabilities.

The afternoon brought US Vice President Vance's confrontational speech in Munich, directly challenging European democratic standards and demanding embrace of populist movements. German Defense Minister Pistorius called these statements "unacceptable." The Court blocked Minister Faber's planned cuts to refugee support services, marking another setback to the coalition's immigration policies.

Von der Leyen proposed excluding defense spending from EU budget constraints, while Trump threatened new tariffs on European VAT, escalating the trade tensions that began with steel tariffs earlier this week.
15.02.2025
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Saturday
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The Day Europe Sought Its Army

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Morning headlines focused on Hamas's release of three Israeli hostages after 500 days of captivity, alongside 369 Palestinian prisoners. This development occurred despite previous threats from Hamas to suspend negotiations.

The Munich Security Conference dominated coverage throughout the day. Republican J.D. Vance's confrontational speech supporting European populist movements created waves across European media. Zelensky's warning about Ukraine's survival without US support triggered multiple responses, including Rutte's call for European self-reliance and Scholz's proposal to exclude defense spending from EU budget rules.

By evening, coverage shifted to concrete proposals for European military independence, with increasing calls for an EU army. The Netherlands, through security chief Schoof, expressed support for participating in a deterrence force in Ukraine, while US representatives notably excluded European participation from peace talks with Russia.
16.02.2025
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Sunday
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The Day Europe Stood Without Shield

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European mineral dependencies and military capabilities dominated morning coverage, as newspapers reported on resistance to local mining operations despite critical resource needs. The Munich Security Conference revealed deepening transatlantic rifts, with European leaders scrambling to secure a place in US-Russia peace talks for Ukraine.

By afternoon, coverage shifted to an IS-linked attack in Austria, where a Syrian asylum seeker who radicalized through TikTok killed one person. Zelensky's warning about Putin's potential NATO invasion plans emerged alongside discussions of European security arrangements without US support.

Evening reports focused on European leaders' attempts to establish independent deterrence capabilities, with Netherlands considering F-35s, naval assets, and Patriot systems for a Ukraine peacekeeping force. German election debates intensified over AfD threats, while Russians queued to honor Navalny's grave despite state restrictions.
17.02.2025
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Monday
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Europe Gathers While Moscow Waits

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The morning began with European leaders' reactions to Trump-Putin communications, leading to an emergency summit in Paris. Housing Minister Keijzer announced the end of priority housing for status holders, generating resistance from municipalities.

By afternoon, Parliament opened the door for military mission participation in Ukraine, revealing coalition divisions as PVV opposed involvement. ABP pension fund's withdrawal from tech giants highlighted growing economic uncertainty. Poland's refusal to send troops to Ukraine complicated European unity efforts.

Evening discussions in Paris revealed substantial limitations in European military capabilities, with security chief Schoof expressing cautious openness to Dutch participation in a potential peacekeeping force. Russian negotiators arrived in Saudi Arabia, explicitly stating they would only engage with Americans, effectively sidelining European diplomatic efforts.
18.02.2025
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Tuesday
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The Day Winter Brought Peace Talks

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US-Russia talks in Riyadh commenced after a Delta Airlines accident in Toronto captured early morning attention. The Russian delegation indicated openness to Ukraine's EU membership while maintaining opposition to NATO accession. Former VVD leader Frits Bolkestein's death at 91 dominated mid-morning coverage, with media examining his legacy in reshaping Dutch politics.

The first round of US-Russia talks concluded by afternoon with both sides describing them as "positive," though Zelensky's absence was notable. The Dutch parliament shifted towards supporting potential peacekeeping mission participation, with PVV showing unexpected flexibility. Meanwhile, major cities warned about housing development challenges due to public transport budget cuts.

Evening parliamentary debates revealed a broad majority supporting the cabinet's Ukraine negotiations, though coalition support remained fragile. Saudi Arabia's role as peace broker marked its definitive return from diplomatic isolation.
19.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Trump's Words Cross The Sea

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Trump's escalating rhetoric against Zelensky dominated coverage, starting with morning reports of his position on Ukraine and culminating in directly labeling Zelensky a "dictator." The EU responded by advancing new sanctions against Russia, while US signals suggested potential sanctions relief.

Brussels made concessions to farmers by dropping livestock reduction measures, while revealing plans to mandate local procurement in European tenders. The Netherlands faced scrutiny over wealthy families holding €30 billion in nearly untaxed foundations.

Public broadcasting restructuring plans emerged, targeting management reduction and separate broadcasting houses. Evening discussions centered on requirements for a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine, emphasizing robust armament needs. The parliament shifted toward supporting a fireworks ban, with exceptions for community events.
20.02.2025
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Thursday
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The Day Aid Became Interest

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PVV Minister Klever announced dramatic cuts to development aid, eliminating support for women's rights, gender equality, and climate programs, maintaining only projects serving direct Dutch interests. This policy shift dominated morning coverage, drawing parallels to Trump's approach.

The RIVM challenged BBB Minister Wiersma's nitrogen policy claims, leading to parliamentary confrontation by evening. Scientists' divergent recommendations on nitrogen limits exposed deepening rifts in the coalition.

Hamas's theatrical return of hostages' bodies through the Red Cross generated diplomatic tension. The US position on Ukraine continued weakening at UN level, while European responses to recent Trump statements crystallized into policy adjustments.

NSC's unexpected reversal on VAT increase to 21.4% revealed growing economic pressures, while housing regulators warned about social housing construction threats from rising land prices.
21.02.2025
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Friday
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The Day Minister Faber Stumbled On Zelensky

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The morning opened with PostNL's urgent request for state support being rejected by the ministry, while ambulance response times showed concerning increases across rural areas. Trump's demand for $500 billion in rare earth metals from Ukraine emerged as context for his recent statements, adding complexity to European defense preparations.

By midday, the Erasmus shooter received a life sentence, while DUO began compensating hundreds of thousands of former students affected by the loan system. The government abandoned plans for Schiphol's fourth approach route.

The evening centered on PVV Minister Faber's statement about Zelensky being "undemocratically elected," which she retracted after VVD's fierce response. This incident highlighted growing tensions within the coalition regarding Ukraine policy. KRO-NCRV terminated its long-running program "Spoorloos" after matching participants with incorrect families.
22.02.2025
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Saturday
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Minister's Words Echo Through Empty Chambers

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Minister Faber's statement about Zelensky being "undemocratically elected" continued reverberating through Dutch politics, forcing Premier Schoof to personally reassure Ukraine of continued support. The incident highlighted growing fractures within the coalition regarding Ukraine policy.

By midday, reports emerged of U.S. interest in Ukraine's $500 billion worth of rare earth minerals, contextualizing Trump's recent policy shifts. European responses crystalized around calls for strategic autonomy, with discussions of counter-measures against U.S. services.

Princess Amalia conducted her first solo royal duty, christening naval vessel Den Helder, while coverage tracked Hamas's release of six hostages and the identification of Shiri Bibas's body. Evening brought news of terror attacks in Mulhouse, France, Pope Francis's deteriorating condition, and confirmation of new North Sea gas drilling operations yielding 500,000 cubic meters daily.
23.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day CDU Won While AfD Rose

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Israel's postponement of prisoner releases and deployment of tanks in the West Bank marked morning developments, while Hamas released controversial hostage footage. Reports exposed aircraft parts reaching Russia through India despite sanctions.

German election coverage intensified throughout the day, culminating in CDU/CSU victory with 29% and AfD's surge to 20%, marking its highest result. Scholz acknowledged SPD's "bitter" defeat while Merz promised swift coalition formation, explicitly excluding AfD.

Zelensky's statement about willingness to resign for NATO membership and peace emerged as Minister Brekelmans emphasized maintaining Ukraine's NATO prospects. A thousand protesters gathered at Dam Square, where the Defense Minister issued symbolic "prison invitation" to Putin.

Evening brought news of a 13-year-old's fatal stabbing in Schiedam, with another teenager arrested as suspect. Former minister Hans van den Broek's death was announced.
24.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Merz Won While Small Parties Fell

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German election results dominated morning coverage, with CDU/CSU's victory under Merz complicated by AfD's emergence as second-largest party. Two smaller parties failed to meet electoral threshold, forcing consideration of CDU-SPD coalition.

EU leaders gathered in Kyiv marking invasion's third year, announcing substantial weapons support package while Russia rejected ceasefire proposals. Just Eat Takeaway's sale to Prosus for €4.1 billion marked significant business development.

Afternoon coverage shifted to fatal Sluiskil tunnel accident and Schiedam's 13-year-old stabbing victim, revealing both victim and suspect's prior involvement in robbery. Evening brought Trump's claims about ending Ukraine war within weeks, while Macron's discussions with Trump highlighted European unity. Coverage concluded with UN Security Council adopting US resolution on Ukraine without naming Russia as aggressor.
25.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Raw Earth Changed Hands

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Morning coverage focused on Poland's deployment of fighter jets against Russian attacks, while a UN Security Council resolution passed without naming Russia. Unilever's unexpected CEO replacement dominated business news.

By afternoon, American plans to impose harbor fees on Chinese vessels emerged as maritime sector news, while healthcare provider CZ faced increased supervision. The death of two businessmen in Sluiskil tunnel accident received attention.

Evening brought breakthrough reporting on Ukraine-US agreement regarding rare earth materials, marking significant shift from previous days' speculation about Trump's interest in Ukrainian resources. The deal's emergence followed days of diplomatic maneuvering, including Trump-Macron discussions and Putin's hint at European participation in talks.

Legal professionals issued warnings about threats to judicial independence, citing inadequate funding and increasing political pressure.
26.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Trump Trades Shield For Earth

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Morning coverage focused on Ukraine accepting US terms for a raw materials deal, following days of speculation about Trump's interest in Ukrainian resources. The agreement, seen by some outlets as extortion, involves Zelensky's planned Friday visit to Washington for signing.

By midday, the Central Planning Bureau released unexpectedly positive economic forecasts, providing an €8 billion budget windfall. This coincided with leaked messages revealing tensions between Princess Laurentien and ministry officials, leading to unprecedented public criticism of royal involvement in government affairs.

Evening brought Trump's announcement of planned 25% tariffs on EU products, coupled with claims the EU was "created to screw the US." This development, alongside his sharing of fake Gaza transformation videos, emerged as Trump solidified his position on both the Ukraine deal and European relations. Meanwhile, Go Ahead Eagles achieved a historic victory over PSV in cup semifinals.
27.02.2025
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Thursday
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Press Freedom Meets Trump's Shadow

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Morning coverage centered on real estate investors' mass exodus from the rental market, while healthcare systems showed deterioration in pandemic preparedness compared to pre-COVID levels. By midday, attention shifted to Washington Post's internal struggles as Bezos tightened control over editorial freedom, parallel to Trump's growing influence on press access.

Brussels scaled back green initiatives while defending trade relations against Trump's 25% tariff threats. The afternoon brought Kurdish leader Öcalan's unexpected call to end PKK's armed struggle, marking potential shift in decades-long conflict.

Evening coverage revealed Trump's new positioning on Ukraine through a minerals deal, presented as alternative security guarantee for Europe. This development followed previous days' negotiations and aligned with broader pattern of Trump leveraging resources in international relations. Rutte's subsequent call with Trump regarding Ukraine funding closed the day's developments.
28.02.2025
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Friday
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Day White House Expelled Guest

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The morning media focused on structural challenges in Dutch infrastructure and healthcare, with reports of €195 billion needed for power grid upgrades and restrictions on healthcare freelancers affecting 200,000 workers.

By afternoon, attention shifted to the US-Ukraine minerals deal's collapse during Zelensky's White House visit. The meeting, anticipated since previous days' negotiations, deteriorated into public confrontation. Trump demanded Ukraine's gratitude and peace concessions, leading to Zelensky's early departure.

Evening coverage documented European leaders' response, with Premier Schoof and Macron expressing support for Zelensky. Russian media celebrated the diplomatic breakdown. The incident marked significant shift from previous days' resource negotiations to public ultimatum, with Trump conditioning further support on immediate peace talks.
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